Parallel parking comes down to three positions: alongside the car ahead, angled at about 45 degrees, then straight against the curb. Go slowly, look more than you steer, and you can fix almost any attempt before it goes wrong.
Before you start
- Pick a big enough space. While learning, look for a gap about one and a half car lengths long. With practice you'll manage tighter spots.
- Read the signs. Montreal parking poles can stack several rules: hours, days, permit zones, street cleaning. Check every panel before you commit.
- Set your mirrors so you can see the curb in the right-side mirror.
The 7 steps
- Signal right and check behind you. Mirrors and a shoulder check. Your signal tells drivers behind you to wait.
- Pull up alongside the car ahead of the space. Leave about 60 to 90 cm (2 to 3 ft) between the cars, with your rear bumpers roughly lined up.
- Shift into reverse and look all around. Check over your shoulder and in your mirrors for cyclists and pedestrians.
- Turn the wheel fully right and reverse slowly. Stop when your car is at about 45 degrees to the curb.
- Straighten the wheel and keep reversing until your front bumper has cleared the rear of the car ahead.
- Turn the wheel fully left and reverse slowly. The car swings in parallel to the curb. Stop before you reach the car behind.
- Centre and finish. Pull forward to leave space front and back, straighten your wheels, and check you're close to and parallel with the curb.
Mistakes that trip up learners
- Going too fast. Crawl speed gives you time to correct.
- Forgetting to look. Most real problems come from a cyclist or car you didn't see.
- Turning the wheel while stopped. Steer while rolling slowly; it's more precise and easier on the car.
- Hitting or climbing the curb. If you're too close, pull forward and try again.
- Ending far from the curb or at an angle. Take one more small correction.
Leaving the space
Reverse a little to make room, signal left, check your mirrors and blind spot, and pull out when there's a safe gap. Watch for cyclists coming up on your left.
Frequently asked questions
How much space do I need to parallel park?
While learning, about one and a half car lengths. Experienced drivers can use less.
What if I mess up halfway?
Stop, pull forward and start again.
Can I practise parallel parking with an instructor?
Yes. It's practised during Omega's in-car sessions, and our refresher course offers 1 to 12 hours of driving if you just need extra practice.
Practise with an instructor
Book at Sherbrooke-NDG (514-908-2580) or Guy-Concordia (514-989-2121), or register online.
Related: How to Pass the SAAQ Road Test